Ahead of his upcoming trip to Russia, Chinese President Hu Jintao praised China-Russia relations, saying he expected his visit to achieve substantial fruits.

Hu was speaking on Tuesday to Russian journalists ahead of his visit to their country from March 26 to 28.

"I am expecting to confer with President Putin on deepening China-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation and expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields," said Hu. "I believe that, under joint efforts of both sides, the visit will achieve substantial fruits, and inject new motivation into the growth of China-Russian ties and bilateral pragmatic cooperation."

Hu noted the areas in which China and Russia enjoyed fruitful cooperation, naming those of politics, economy, trade, science, technology and culture. Turning to world affairs, Hu acclaimed the bilateral coordination seen in terms of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Iran nuclear issue among other international and regional areas of concern.

"The development of bilateral strategic partnership of cooperation is the common desire and inevitable option of the two nations and the two peoples," Hu said.

The Chinese president rolled out a four-point proposal in further promoting bilateral ties. The first will aim to boost political mutual trust and support on issues concerning national core interests.

The second is to extend the range of pragmatic cooperation in terms of the economy, trade, energy, science and technology.

Thirdly, both powers should fully utilize the Year of China in Russia to further strengthen cultural respect and understanding between the two peoples.

In closing, Hu finally stressed that the two nations should promote strategic coordination in international and regional affairs, thus aiding world peace and development, said Hu.

During his three-day visit, Hu will attend the opening ceremony of the Year of China in Russia, the sister to the Year of Russia in China held last year.

The festival will give center-stage to 200 activities focusing on culture, politics, economy, science, and technology.

"The Year of Russia in China achieved full success, and I believe that the Year of China in Russia will have the same success," Hu said, adding that this year was important for the momentum of bilateral relations and that the 11-year old strategic partnership would now enter a new stage.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2007)